Can somebody tell me how to format a laptop?

I searched and find a similar thread but it's not what I want so,

Okay,
Here's the problem.My laptop encounter a problem that even my father couldn't fix it.(he can but his work).This stupid genuine Microsoft software thing.So my father will format my laptop(Don't know when).So can anybody teach me how to re-format a laptop and I'll get a new Window software so that this problem may end.Maybe some of you may suggest just replace the Window software but I want to format it cause many things I don't want is in this laptop.So thank you by your help.

Edit=if you're kind enough please tell me also which program that is useful for me to put after the I format.

 

Wow Mr.Loony,so fast of you.I just make the thread.Okay,I'll try it after.Wait after the window reinstall?After I boot the laptop?

 

Well if you have the operating system disc (presuming Windows) then put it in and turn your computer on. Before it gets to the windows loading screen (the annoying bars) press F2 (or whatever it is to access setup). Then when in the setup menu select Boot Type, maybe something else depending on your BIOS version or whatever and change primary boot to CD/DVD Drive (Or the appropriate disc drive).
If you wish you could change your second boot to HDD (Don't know if this changes anything, it doesn't for me). Now once you have done this exit your setup and save the changes. If your computer doesn't restart then do so. This time when booting you will get a text across the top of the screen sayin something along the lines of " press any key to boot from CD ". So press any key, space does fine .
Now when this is done you will be directed to the windows setup screen where you just follow the orpompts to install. When you get to selecting the partition select the appropriate one (C or the one you wish to install the new OS on and then press enter. It will then give you some options on what you want to do with the partition. Quick format does the job.
Now press enter once you have selected the format type and let it do what it is going to do. IT should then start installing. Now it's up to you to install correctly
Oh and when you have finished the install don't forget to change the primary boot method back to HDD

So unless you're willing to reinstall the OS then there isn't really a way of formatting it safely

 

True True... Loony knows what he's on about, i advise you take any advice he gives

 

But the data will not be formatted if you have 2 partitions....
About the windows genuine..
try not to update your windows...because most of windows cd/dvd are not original..unless you buy the original and have the license key on it...

 

I have the original cd Window for Vista but the license key seems nowhere to be found.

 

What!?That's impossible...

 

Yeah.Maybe the shopkeeper stole it?My father look it everywhere.

 

maybe the shopkeeper forgot to put it on the cd case....

 

But the license key usually stick with the cd case.In case!

 

try search it inside the cd then...

 

Already tried it.No where to be found.

 

Then..
go back to the shop and ask the shopkeeper..

 

Under the laptop?

 

Yeah,that one for those who Installed the OS directly by the shopkeeper at their shop.

 

Nah.My father bought the cd.This laptop is using Window XP.